Liverpool Transfer Rumors: Reds Must Make Big Splash for Top Playmakers

Liverpool is in the midst of an offseason of change, and new boss Brendan Rodgers must make a big splash while going after top playmakers. The Reds have already signedAS Roma forward Fabio Borini, but now they must turn their attention to even bigger names to improve the roster.

According to The Mirror, Rodgers is ready to bid £7.5 million to pry American star Clint Dempsey away from Fulham. Dempsey has one year remaining on his deal with the Cottagers, but he is eager to leave and play for a club in the Champions League. Dempsey would be a great fit at Anfield and makes perfect sense for Rodgers and his club.

Dempsey is 29 and has been with Fulham since 2007. In that time he has made 184 appearances and scored 50 Premier League goals for the Cottagers. Dempsey racked up 23 goals across all competitions during the 2011-12 campaign and appears to be hitting his peak as a player.

In addition to Dempsey, Liverpool seems keen on landing Barcelona's Cristian Tello. The 20-year-old Spanish forward's contract will be up at the end of next season and the Reds would love to sign a young, dynamic talent like Tello.

According to the Daily Mail, Barcelona has let it be known that a deal for Tello will cost £7 million. That's no surprise as Tello stepped up to the big club and scored seven goals in 22 appearances across all competitions last season. He appears to be ready to take on more responsibility.

If Rodgers can land both Dempsey and Tello to go along with the recently acquired Borini, Liverpool will be set up perfectly for years to come.